The nurse is caring for a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. What ...

[Mollykgkg]

The nurse is caring for a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. What should the nurse expect the treatment focus to be for this health problem?
 
  1. drugs such as tricyclic anticonvulsants or surgically severing the nerve root (rhizotomy)
  2. antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and physical therapy
  3. respiratory support and NSAIDs
  4. physical therapy and warm, moist packs to the affected area

Question 2

The nurse is completing teaching to a patient with a new diagnosis of Bell palsy. What should be a priority focus of this teaching?
 
  1. eye care
  2. promoting effective swallowing
  3. pain management
  4. improving muscle strength in the upper extremity

[perkiness]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Trigeminal neuralgia is treated by a pharmacologic approach to pain control by prescribing tricyclic anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) or rhizotomy, which is surgically severing the nerve root. Antiviral drugs and physical therapy are treatments for Bell palsy. Respiratory support, NSAIDs, physical therapy, and warm, moist packs to the affected area are not appropriate treatments.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Eye care should be addressed since manifestations of Bell palsy include paralysis of the upper eyelid with loss of the corneal reflex and increased tearing on the affected side. Chewing, not swallowing, may be difficult due to unilateral paralysis of facial muscles. Pain may precede the onset of facial paralysis but is not an issue during the course of the disease. Upper extremity muscles are not affected.